Every year we come to January 1st with our goals and resolutions hoping for the best. I humbly admit though that 365 is a long time and I have not always followed through with everything. So this year I’m starting with this, the first 100 days.

How do most people respond to setbacks, hardships, or suffering? Usually they take it personally. They get angry. They blame others and even God, which then can lead to bitterness. (Of course we would never do any of these things.) Where is the joy in that?

Now that you realize how important it is to create goals, establish a plan of attack and then follow through until you’ve reached your desired destination, let me offer five tips to help you stay on course.